No love lost
Still reeling from the pain of losing the services of left-back Precious Sambani to their bitter rivals Nyasa Big Bullets, Be Forward Wanderers have declared that they will no longer be involved in any working relationship with the People’s Team.
However, Bullets have described the move as unfortunate, insisting that they cherish the good working relationship they have with all stakeholders, including Wanderers.
Briefing journalists on the sidelines of the unveiling of the lanky Nigerian forward Babatunde Adeboye on Monday in Blantyre, Nomads general secretary Mike Butao said: “Unfortunately, our colleagues opted for two minutes of fame and ignored the gains that would come from such a powerful combination which is sad, but we are OK with that.
“We have always existed as a lone entity. Going forward, we are no longer working with Bullets on anything. I believe that Wanderers have got some of the wisest heads in football administration.”
Asked if they had a formal partnership with Bullets, Butao said: “Not necessarily, but we have been working together in a number of areas and one of them was the joint bid to lease the Kamuzu Stadium from government.”
On his part, the Nomads’ main supporters committee secretary Samuel Mponda said they are planning to protest Sambani’s deal by marching from their clubhouse to Bullets’ sponsors Nyasa Manufacturing Company [NMC] offices.
“And if FAM will not help us on this issue, then they should expect a difficult 2019 season because we are angry,” he said.
However, on his part, Bullets chief executive officer (CEO) Fleetwood Haiya said the Nomads might be acting out of emotions.
“As Bullets, I can say it will not help for us to react through the media. We believe that a round -table discussion would be the best course of action for the betterment of the two teams and football in general.
“If Wanderers have issues with us, then the best way is to sit down and sort them out amicably other than act out of emotions.
“Our aim is to ensure that we strengthen the relationship we have with all stakeholders and Wanderers form part of our circle. On our own, we cannot achieve anything, but together we can,“ he said.
However, football analyst George Kaudza Masina faulted Wanderers on the issue, saying: “I think they are overreacting. Players have always crossed the great divide since the 1960s and we are talking of big names such as Yasin Osman, McDonald Yobe, Andrew Chikhosi and Jaffalie Chande.
“Actually, a similar incident occurred when Chande moved from Bullets to Wanderers which created controversy, but it never reached that point. So, Wanderers need to calm down and appreciate that players come and go,” he said.